Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics Prediction and Betting Tips | Nov. 24, 2024

The Boston Celtics will look to continue their red-hot start to the 2024-25 campaign when they host the Minnesota Timberwolves at the TD Garden. Sunday's heavyweight matchup promises to be a fascinating encounter between two of the NBA's star-studded rosters.

Both Minnesota and Boston will be desperate for a win but for very different reasons. The Celtics trail the first-place Cleveland Cavaliers by 2.5 games and will be looking to regain the top spot in the Eastern Conference after a strong November. A talented Timberwolves lineup has struggled to find any consistency and will be eager to string together a series of victories.

Boston (13-3) comes into the game on a four-game win streak and with a 5-2 record at the TD Garden. Joe Mazzulla's offense ranks second in the league in points per game with an average of 120.7.

The Timberwolves were part of a blockbuster trade this offseason that saw Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo head to Minnesota. The new-look offense is yet to click and the team currently sits 10th in the Western Conference standings with an underwhelming 8-7 record. Head coach Chris Finch will be hoping a statement win against the defending champions can steady the ship.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics preview, betting tips, odds, and prediction

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum goes to the basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden. Photo Credit: Imagn

The Boston Celtics will take on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the TD Garden on Sunday evening with the game set to tip off at 3:30 p.m. EST. The game will be available to watch locally on NBC Sports - Boston and FanDuel Sports Network - North. Fans looking to stream the game can also watch it on NBA League Pass and fuboTV.

Moneyline: Timberwolves (+270), Celtics (-340)

Spread: Timberwolves +7.5 (Even), Celtics -7.5 (-120)

Total (Over/Under): Over 222.5 (-110), Under 222.5 (-110)

Note: All odds are subject to change closer to tip-off. The listed odds were based on information at the time of writing.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics preview

The Celtics have secured four consecutive wins over the last 11 days including a noteworthy 120-117 victory over the first-place Cavaliers. Boston has lost just three times this year with home losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Golden State Warriors and an away defeat to the Indiana Pacers.

Jayson Tatum has been the standout player on a Celtics lineup that is littered with talent. The St. Louis native is leading the roster in points (29.1), rebounds (8.2), assists (6.1) and steals (1.4).

The Boston Celtics will likely be without two of their top big men. Al Horford is listed as a game-time decision and Kristaps Porzingis is out with a foot injury.

After coming off a sensational season where they went all the way to the Western Conference finals, Minnesota has struggled to find their footing this season. The Timberwolves are languishing in the bottom half of the Western Conference standings and are 5-5 in their last ten games. They are also coming off a disappointing 110-105 loss to the Toronto Raptors.

Anthony Edwards has been the key contributor on the offensive front. The gifted shooter leads the lineup with 27.9 ppg and has also chipped in with 3.7 apg. On the defensive end, Rudy Gobert has been vital. The French center is averaging 10.5 rpg and 1.6 bpg.

Minnesota will be without point guard Mike Conley who is sidelined due to a toe injury.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics betting tips

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards walks up the court against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Photo Credit: Imagn

Five-time All-Star Jayson Tatam has been sensational over the start of the season. Tatum is playing 36.6 mpg this year and leads the team in several categories. The over/under for his assists is set at 5.5 (-140), which seems low considering he is averaging 6.1 apg and is coming off a solid performance against the Washington Wizards where he finished with eight assists.

Anthony Edwards tends to step up under the bright lights and playing in the intense atmosphere of the TD Garden should suit the confident guard. Edwards is capable of pulling off a big scoring night against any opponent in the league. Expect him to go over the 26.5 points that are set for him.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Boston Celtics prediction

It is hard to see the Timberwolves coming into the TD Garden and dominating a star-studded Celtics roster. However, Minnesota seems to be finding its groove and 7.5 points is a lot for a roster that boasts All-Star caliber talent like Anthony Edwards, Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle. The Timberwolves should cover the 7.5-point spread in what will likely be a closely contested battle on Sunday.